Scary moment at the Metrodome

Update: Fortunately, the ball deflected off of Blackburn's glove before hitting him in the nose. He has a bloody nose but did not lose consciousness and did not lose any teeth. He is being taken to the hospital for X-rays.

Twins' starting pitcher Nick Blackburn was just struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Bobby Abreu and immediately left the game.

The ball appeared to hit Blackburn in the mouth. He fell to the ground on his back, briefly stunned, before getting up, bleeding. He walked off the field under his own power escorted by team personnel. Several players went out to the mound, apparently looking for a tooth that had been knocked out.

Abreu grabbed his own head in dismay as he ran out of the batter's box and saw his line drive strike Blackburn, and still seems shaken as he stands at first base.